With nearly half of the senior class going through the recruiting process each year, making a good impression in the interview is crucial to a successful job search. But interviewing isn't just about case questions and prepared answers--image and etiquette are equally key to landing that offer.

Though it may seem obvious, it is important to be on time to the interview. Unlike Harvard professors, most interviewers will not understand if you arrive seven minutes late.

This is particularly important during the first round of interviews at the Office of Career Services (OCS), when a firm might have 15 interviews, one right after the other. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview site.

Remember that the interview begins when you walk in the door. Even before the interviewer asks the first question, he or she has already begun to assess you as a candidate.

"Appearance is very important," says Rosanne J. Thomas, president of Protocol Advisors, Inc., an image consulting firm that provides training in business etiquette, international protocol and executive dining skills. "Sixty percent of the message we convey to others is through nonverbal communication, and that includes your dress."

Both men and women should wear a suit in subdued or conservative colors, Thomas says.

Judith P. Bowman, president of Protocol Consultants International, agrees, adding that clothes should be of high quality, in good repair and made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and wool. Stay away from polyester and other synthetics, she warns.

Special rules apply for women in the recruiting game. Women should not wear a pantsuit, says Gloria J. Petersen, president of Global Protocol, Inc. Instead, she says they should wear a skirt that grazes the top of the knees and nude pantyhose.

"Everyone should have their classic navy blue interview suit but...if you're lucky enough to be invited back for a second interview, don't wear the same suit--they remember," Bowman says.

Both men and women should have had their hair cut recently, Thomas says, although neither men nor women should touch their hair during the interview. If women have long hair, they should pull it back or fasten it so it doesn't fall into their faces.

"You don't want [your hair] hanging in the front over your shoulder looking very sexy and alluring. It should be behind the shoulders," Petersen says.

Accessories should be of excellent quality and in the same good repair as one's clothing. Shoes need to be polished and should not show signs of wear, Petersen says. Bowman suggests staying away from loafers because they are too casual.

Jewelry should be tasteful and understated.

"Pearls and gold are classic; silver is a little funky," Bowman says. "Whatever you wear, let it be real. We all have costume jewelry, but for the interview let everything about you speak quality."

Watches should have leather or metal bands, according to Thomas. She also recommends bringing a high quality pen and either a leather briefcase or portfolio with extra copies of your resume.